William Lee Golden Faces Unimaginable Loss with the Passing of Son Rusty and Bandmate Joe Bonsall
William Lee Golden, a true legend in country music and a beloved member of The Oak Ridge Boys, is enduring an incredibly difficult period marked by profound grief. Within just nine days, Golden has experienced the heartbreaking loss of two immensely important figures in his life: his son, Rusty Golden, and his long-time bandmate and dear friend, Joe Bonsall.
The Heartbreak of Losing a Son
On July 1st, 2024, tragedy struck William Lee Golden’s family with the passing of his beloved son, Rusty Golden. The pain of such a loss is immeasurable, deepened by the profound bond shared between a father and his child. Rusty, an accomplished musician and talented songwriter in his own right, was not only William Lee’s son but also a cherished member of their musical dynasty. His passing leaves a void that words cannot easily fill.
William Lee issued a heartfelt statement addressing the devastating news: “This is the hardest thing ever for a father to have to face. I love my family more than anything. Rusty was a great musician, a talented songwriter and a wonderful son. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers for the days ahead. I love you son.”
A Second Devastating Blow: The Loss of Joe Bonsall
Adding to this heartache, just days later on July 9th, 2024, William Lee Golden received another devastating blow with the passing of his long-time bandmate and friend, Joe Bonsall. Together with Duane Allen, Richard Sterban, and William Lee Golden himself, Joe formed The Oak Ridge Boys, a legendary quartet that has graced stages worldwide with their distinctive harmonies and timeless hits for over 50 years. Joe’s loss resonates deeply not only through the band’s extensive fan base but also through the tight-knit community of country music.
On his personal social media page, a grief-stricken William Lee shared his profound sadness after losing his beloved bandmate, posting a photo of Joe Bonsall with the simple yet powerful caption: “Sadness continues.” He then elaborated on the double tragedy: “This has been a week of sadness with the loss of my son Rusty Golden and now the loss of our brother and our partner of over 50 years Joe Bonsall. Thankfully we have the memories made and the songs that we’ve sang together to get us through. It gives me comfort to know that Joe and Rusty are together again. Our prayers are with his family.”
A Legacy of Love and Music Amidst Grief
For William Lee Golden, these losses are not just professional but profoundly personal. Losing both Rusty and Joe Bonsall has left a void in his heart that no amount of fame or success can heal. Yet, amidst the overwhelming grief, there is also the enduring legacy of love and music that binds them together. The Oak Ridge Boys have weathered many storms throughout their illustrious career, and now, more than ever, their bond will be tested.
May William Lee Golden find strength in the cherished memories of Rusty and Joe, in the timeless music they created together, and in the unwavering support of his bandmates, friends, and legions of fans around the world. His resilience in the face of such profound sorrow serves as a testament to his enduring spirit.